Over the past ten years, there has not been a more dysfunctional cinematic universe than the DCEU. However, from its inception in 2013 with the release of Man of Steel, the series has done a great job of remaining inconsistent. One of the bright spots of the franchise was Shazam!, a film that stepped away from the brooding, dark tones found in these movies and offered a joyful and fun comic book adventure that reminded me of why I fell in love with comic books when I was young.

It’s no surprise a sequel was green-lit for Shazam!, but what is a surprise were the circumstances in which the film would be released. Late in 2022, it was announced that James Gunn and Peter Safran would be taking over the DCEU, which would signal a new era for DC.

In this period of transition, Shazam! Fury of the Gods arrives stuck in limbo regarding the series’ future. However, the film packs a super lightning bolt of hilarity, captivating action, and surprises. The familial bond remains stronger than ever in a movie that’s not breaking the mold but follows the trajectory of its predecessor as a charming and delightful cinematic escape.

Shazam! Fury of the Gods kicks off a few years after the original film’s events as Billy Batson continues to play into his dual personas of teenager and superhero. Only this time, his siblings, Freddy, Mary, Darla, Eugene, and Pedro, join Billy on his adventures. The only problem is Billy’s realization that his time with his family may be coming to a head with an overbearing attachment that pulls the family apart. With that familial tension comes the looming threat of Hespera (Helen Mirren) and Kalypso (Lucy Liu), who are intent on attaining Billy’s powers to avenge the death of their father.

While Henry Gayden and Chris Morgan’s screenplay is primarily low stakes and disposable to the overarching story of the DCEU, the duo’s emphasis on the importance of the familial bond resonated with me. It may come off as campy to some, but I was fully invested in any moments where Billy and his family bounced off each other.

Gayden and Morgan relay the themes of not knowing your place in this world. With Billy not sure where his future lies within his family or as Shazam!, we are guided through an internal battle that mainly works thanks to Zachary Levi and Asher Angel’s performances as Billy Batson. Levi and Angel evoke that emotion effectively throughout, while Levi balances that dramatic internal turmoil with the LOL comedy he is known for.

To the surprise of no one, Academy Award winner Helen Mirren, Lucy Liu, and Rachel Zegler are wonderful. All three understood the assignment as their magnetic charisma bounced off the screen. Were there villainous tropes on display? Sure, but the trio offers enough stakes and motives that give cinephiles an understanding of their actions.

Djimon Hounsou and Jack Dylan Grazer’s supporting takes are downright hilarious. Once the two meet, it’s hard not to be fully invested in their “buddy cop” style dynamic that lends itself to some of the funniest moments in the film.

Unfortunately, this may be the last time we see Shazam! on the big screen for a while with the upcoming changes and plans Gunn and Safran have for the DCEU. However, having this lovable hero go out on a satisfyingly enjoyable note is excellent.